New Orleans French Quarter Walking Tour & 1850 House

Summary

Wander old streets, stories echoing from balconies and brickwork

You’ll follow a local guide through New Orleans’ French Quarter, noticing small things most people miss—the ironwork above your head or stories tucked behind old bricks. Entry to the 1850 House Museum is included, letting you step inside an 1850s apartment after wandering lively streets. You might leave with praline on your fingers or rain in your hair—and probably a story or two of your own.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I thought I knew what the French Quarter would feel like—just jazz and beads, right? But walking those uneven sidewalks with our guide (her name was Denise, soft southern accent and all), I kept catching these tiny details: the way old ironwork curled above us, that faint smell of pralines drifting out of a shop even though it was barely noon. Denise pointed to a faded plaque on a wall—honestly, I’d have missed it—and told us about a fire that changed everything here in the late 1700s. She didn’t sugarcoat anything. Her stories were sharp and sometimes funny in this dry way; you could tell she’d lived in New Orleans her whole life.

We stopped by Jackson Square where some guy was sketching tourists for tips—he winked at our group but kept drawing. The tour included entry to the 1850 House Museum, which sits right above this little gift shop (I almost walked past it). Inside, it’s like time folded back on itself: creaky wooden floors, heavy drapes, sunlight slanting across old furniture. There was this faint musty smell—kind of comforting—and I remember running my hand along the cool banister just because it felt so solid. The guide said these Pontalba Apartments were “the original city living,” which made me laugh thinking about my own cramped apartment back home.

The whole thing lasted maybe two hours? We wandered through narrow streets while Denise explained why shutters are painted those wild colors (“keeps away evil spirits,” she said with a wink). There’s a restroom for guests at the start—trust me, you’ll want that coffee before you go. It rained for five minutes and nobody cared; someone handed around an umbrella and we just kept going. I still think about how alive those streets felt under gray clouds, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — French Quarter walking tour and museum visit

• Join city licensed guide
• Explore French Quarter history
• Learn about architecture and folklore
• Visit 1850 House Museum
• See typical 1850s Pontalba Apartment
• Use provided restroom facilities

Top questions

Is admission to the 1850 House Museum included?

Yes, your ticket includes entry to the 1850 House Museum as part of the walking tour.

How long does the French Quarter walking tour last?

The tour typically lasts around two hours.

Are tours offered rain or shine?

Yes, tours go out regardless of weather conditions.

Is there a restroom available during the tour?

Yes, there is a restroom provided for walking tour guests at the starting point.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is the French Quarter walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join in strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the tour.

Does this tour support any local organizations?

Yes, proceeds benefit Friends of the Cabildo supporting Louisiana State Museum.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided historical walking tour through New Orleans’ French Quarter led by a licensed city guide and admission to the 1850 House Museum above Jackson Square—with restroom access for guests before heading out into those storied streets together.